Revista espanola de anestesiologia y reanimacionJan 15, 2026

GLP-1 Receptor Drugs and Important Considerations for Surgery Care

GLP-1 Therapies Weekly Brief ↗PubMed ↗DOI ↗

Updated Jan 17, 2026

Abstract

Perioperative use of GLP1 agonists is associated with better glycaemic control without a significant increase in complications.

GLP1 agonists stimulate the GLP1 receptor, important for regulating blood sugar levels.
Long-term suspension of these drugs may have unclear effects on the immune system.
Delayed gastric emptying caused by GLP1 agonists could increase the risk of bronchoaspiration.
Maintaining GLP1 agonists during surgery may optimise glycaemic control.
Patient safety measures are necessary to address the risks associated with delayed gastric emptying.

Simplified

Glucagon-like peptide type 1 analogues (aGLP1) are a group of drugs capable of stimulating the GLP1 receptor, a key peptide in glycaemic homeostasis through its actions at the pancreatic and gastric level. This narrative review summarises the possible implications of the perioperative use of this group of drugs. The pancreatic and extrapancreatic effects of aGLP1s determine their anaesthetic implications and perioperative management. The repercussions of their long-term suspension and their effects on the immune system have not yet been sufficiently clarified. The perioperative use of GLP1 agonists is associated with better glycaemic control without a significant increase in complications. However, their use involves a delay in gastric emptying dependent on multiple factors, which may increase the risk of bronchoaspiration. At present, we can conclude that the perioperative maintenance of GLP1 agonists optimises glycaemic control and avoids disruptions to the potential benefits of treatment without demonstrating an increase in postoperative complications. Delayed gastric emptying and possible bronchoaspiration require measures to minimise risk and ensure patient safety.

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Declaration of competing interest None.

PubMed

GLP-1 Receptor Drugs and Important Considerations for Surgery Care

Abstract

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Abstract

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